Michigan woman should start getting mammograms earlier. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has announced an update guidance that would recommend women ages 40 to 74 get screened every other year.
Detroit Medical Center oncologist Dr. Kimberly Hart says the nudge toward earlier screening is meant to address the increasing incidence of breast cancer among women of color.
“We do know that in our African-American community and also in our Hispanic community, these women don’t have the same access to mammograms,” Hart said. “They may have more aggressive cancers diagnosed later. So, my hope is that with the changes in the guidelines, we will get more insurance coverage to get these women access to care.”
Previously, it was recommended that women get exams every two years starting at age 50.
